1
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in overpowering
Related Words
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overwhelming
James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
While the incident has been overwhelming for the third-grader, friends and neighbors have been supportive and checking in on the child, Fox 4 reported.
—Ronn Blitzer , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
The attack involved summoning a flood of UDP packets with the goal of overwhelming the target server.
—PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
The pacing is self directed too, and never overwhelming.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
While the incident has been overwhelming for the third-grader, friends and neighbors have been supportive and checking in on the child, Fox 4 reported.
—Ronn Blitzer , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The goal is a home that feels warm and welcoming, with just enough personality to stand out—without overwhelming the block.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
The attack involved summoning a flood of UDP packets with the goal of overwhelming the target server.
—PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
-
More than just devastating the lives of these commuters — most of whom earn under $49,000 per year and work blue-collar jobs — each of these cars on the freeway is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.—
Stan Oklobdzija,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
After a series of devastating airstrikes, the Israeli military is sending its ground forces into Gaza City, causing thousands of Palestinians to flee and escalating a humanitarian crisis in the region.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Hortmans’ assassination received a flurry of coverage over the strange circumstances under which it was carried out, with pictures of Boelter in his silicone mask initially flooding social media.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
But then the torrent of anonymous text messages that would put their relationship to the test began flooding in.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
-
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2023, Goldman Sachs paid a staggering $215 million to settle a gender bias lawsuit.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The numbers behind the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) are staggering, and yet somehow don’t capture the scope of what might be the country’s most ambitious undertaking since the Pyramids of Giza.—
Chris Schalkx,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The movie adaptation is also rife with metaphors about boys becoming men and overcoming life-or-death circumstances to make it out the other side.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
But in reality, deepfakes are getting better and the threat industry has many years of experience in honing lures to trick people, playing on emotions and overcoming natural suspicions and objections.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His powers included manipulating fire, engulfing his body in flames, superhuman strength and flying.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
On Friday, the debate shifted from online circles into public view, engulfing the sidewalk facing the mural.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But to Hollywood, Pusser’s defiant story was irresistible.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In our first-ever audience-chosen musical screening, a young bride invites the three men who may potentially be her father to her Greek wedding, all set to the irresistible music of ABBA.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
What constitutes an unacceptable season for the Yankees these days, and how much does Boone bear responsibility when the team doesn't perform up to those standards?—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share